Kosciusko BZA Approves Camel Dairy, Diesel Repair As Home-Based Businesses
WARSAW — The Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals approved exceptions to allow two home-based businesses to operate Tuesday morning, Aug. 13.
Luke and Amber Blakeslee requested an exception to allow their home-based camel dairy business, River Jordan Camel Dairy, in an agricultural district located at 1512 West CR 1000N, Milford.
The couple operates a camel fair that offers tours and camel milk products to the public. Luke Blakeslee told the board that their farm has five camels and that children love interacting with animals they normally wouldn’t have access to.
A letter of support was provided by Jill Boggs, executive director of Kosciusko County Convention Visitors Bureau, due to the tourism the business attracts.
The board approved the request.
Brent Gross requested an exception to allow a home-based business for diesel truck repair and restoration at 1855 N. Husky Trail, Warsaw.
Gross, through an attorney, explained that the property is already set up for the business because he has been restoring and repairing vehicles as a hobby. He and his son would like to make the hobby a business, which would include working on two to three pickup trucks at a time. It was clarified that the diesel trucks would not include any semis.
The board approved the request with a condition that Gross communicate with the county highway department to create an increased line of sight for vehicles entering and exiting his drive since that road is highly traveled.
The next BZA meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the basement of the Justice Building.
In other news:
- Dane Hosler, 39 EMS W16A Lane, North Webster, was approved for a variance to allow a concrete shed with an open deck on top within 13 feet from the water’s edge.
- Gregory and Cheryl Smith, 8279 E. Sunset Drive, Syracuse, were approved for both a variance and exception. This allows for an oversized accessory building to remain as placed 21 feet from the right-of-way.
- William Busch, 97 EMS D17 Lane, Syracuse, was approved for a variance to enclose an existing carport and construct a screened porch 4 feet from the property line.
- Kathy Selby, 26 EMS B54 Lane, Pierceton, was approved for a variance to rebuild a residence 7 feet from the right-of-way, 8 feet from the north sideline and 5 feet from the rear line. The original plan was to restore the stucco building, but there was too much existing damage.
- Eagle Outdoor requested an exception to allow a non-conforming sign to remain as placed without permits in an agricultural district at 4535 N. SR 13, Leesburg. A decision was delayed so that a survey could be done.
- Thomas Dahm, 85 EMS B29 Lane, Warsaw, was approved for an exception to alter an existing zoning appeals case. This exception allows the replacement of four residential units on one tract of land. All units are occupied and owned by one family.
- Curtis Hursey, 2172 E. Armstrong Road, Leesburg, was approved for a variance to permit two residences on one tract of land as long as both residences were occupied by the same family. The second residence was previously used as a bunkhouse for workers when the residence included a large farm operation.
- Thomas and Susan Rossell, 10464 N. Elwood Ave., Syracuse, were approved for both a variance and exception to allow an oversized accessory building 15 feet from the right-of-way and a security fence on the property line. The approval is contingent on the property owners moving landscaping rocks so that a neighbor can plow the road more easily.
- Larry and Becky Montel, 7451 W. Bensart Drive, Claypool, were approved for a variance to construct a covered patio 3 feet from the west property line and 22 feet from the right-of-way.
- Joel Wihebrink was approved for an exception to alter conditions on an existing case. The exception allows for the change of appearance on a building located at 3160 N. Stoneburner Road, Warsaw, to allow 4 feet of stone siding instead of the whole building being brick.
- Willard Lehman, 6481 N. Byrer Road, Etna Green, was approved for a variance and exception to allow a home-based retail feed business in an agricultural district and to allow a residence to be converted into a shop.